And with Pellegrini the club's choice to succeed Roberto Mancini, sacked earlier this week, the Spain international is ready to snub a move to Paris Saint-Germain in favour of following the Chilean to the Etihad Stadium.

Malaga have thus far been steadfast in their refusal to negotiate a deal unless the player’s release clause is met, but after being given a strong inclination of his desire to join them City officials are hopeful of being able to land one of their long-term targets for €30m.

Isco, a product of Valencia’s youth team, had been highly recommended to City staff by David Silva, another star graduate of the Spanish club's academy.

The Spain international has since flourished under the tutelage of Pellegrini, who is expected to be rubber-stamped as Mancini’s successor, despite Malaga’s insistence that no deal has yet been agreed for the 59-year-old to leave the club at the start of next month.